Dear Residents,

We know that recent antisocial behaviour (ASB) around the SSC and play park has been worrying for some residents, particularly when opening and closing the park. We want to reassure the community that local partners are working closely and constructively together to address these concerns.

The police, Youth Justice, Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) and Local Ward Councillors (Hull Road Ward)  and the MP’s Office have agreed a shared approach that focuses on keeping people safe, responding firmly where needed, and supporting children and families to make positive choices. By working as one team, we hope this will help us address concerns quickly and consistently.

What action are we taking?

The police are leading on day‑to‑day responses, with visible engagement in the area, clear boundaries around acceptable behaviour, and conversations with young people in local schools about the impact of their actions. A temporary CCTV camera will be installed nearby to help deter further incidents and identify those responsible if problems continue. Where behaviour and incidents are identified by the police as criminal behaviour, a zero-tolerance approach will be taken, as resident safety is paramount.

Alongside this, Youth Justice is working hand‑in‑hand with police and families to provide early support and prevent behaviours from escalating. Positive alternatives for young people are a key part of the solution, and we will shortly be circulating a survey for residents and young people to complete to share thoughts and ideas of what activities may be of interest.

The Local ward Councillor (Hull Road Ward) and MP’s Office are supporting local youth provisions including a new youth boxing club launching in New Earswick on the 31st May – more details of this will be shared shortly directly by the MP’s Office and Councillors.

JRHT is supporting this joined‑up work by carrying out joint visits with police where appropriate, repairing damaged equipment, and working with residents and partners to improve safety around the SSC. Partners will also be spending time in the area together, engaging directly with young people and looking at further activities that could help reduce issues.

What can you do?

Please continue to report any incidents of ASB or crime to the police and be clear on what is happening. We know that it can be difficult to know what needs to be reported to the police as a crime, and often there is confusion about the difference between ASB and criminal offences, so below we have outlined the difference as understanding this distinction really helps everyone get the right response as quickly as possible.

Antisocial behaviour covers actions that cause harassment, alarm or distress to others and/ or property – this should always be reported by the police non emergency number 101.

Criminal Behaviour

Some behaviours are always criminal and should be reported as such:

• Any involvement of fire is an arson offence.
• Any damage to property that requires time, labour or money to repair is criminal damage.
• Swearing or using abusive or threatening language towards others is a public order offence.

This should always be reported by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 for non‑emergencies . Accurate reporting means incidents are recorded properly and allows the police to take more robust and appropriate action. If you are ever unsure, please report what has happened and provide as much detail as you can so the right support and response can be put in place.

When will you be updated on the next steps?

We will continue to provide regular communications on the action we are taking to address the concerns raised by residents. 

Please note: Community Messenger is for information only and should not be used to report crimes or emergencies.

Everyone involved is committed to making Derwenthorpe a safe, welcoming place for residents of all ages, and to addressing concerns with care, consistency and cooperation.

Many thanks.